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 PRESS FREEDOM UNDER ATTACK: JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA FACE VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION, AND PERSECUTION Ebonyi Prison Officials Assault Journalists Covering Court Proceedings:


The persistent violence and intimidation against journalists in Nigeria for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression is a growing crisis that cannot be ignored. Journalists, in their line of duty, are increasingly confronted with murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, harassment (both online and offline), intimidation, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and even torture.


This unwarranted aggression is not only condemnable but also raises serious concerns about the culture of impunity and lawlessness within certain state institutions. The right of journalists to cover court proceedings is constitutionally protected, and any attempt to stifle this freedom is an attack on the fundamental pillars of justice and transparency.


In a shocking turn of events, prison officials attached to the Ebonyi State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service engaged in a violent confrontation with members of the press at the Abakaliki High Court. These officials physically assaulted an NTA crew member, attempting to seize their camera in a desperate bid to suppress media coverage.


The brazen attack on the NTA journalist is a disgraceful and reckless display of lawlessness, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in Nigeria. Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent human rights advocate, has strongly condemned this attack, stating that such violent confrontations with the press are unacceptable and must not be tolerated in a democratic society.


Even more troubling is the fact that the Defendants—36 inmates in this case—have already been discharged and acquitted on three different occasions from various baseless charges. This raises serious questions:


Why continue the persecution of individuals who have already been legally cleared of wrongdoing?


These questions emphasise the lack of transparency and accountability within the Nigerian Correctional Service and other state institutions that continue to wield unchecked power against both citizens and the press.


We call on the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to take immediate and decisive action against the officers involved in this reprehensible attack. Those responsible must face swift disciplinary measures, and concrete steps should be taken to prevent further attacks on journalists.


Additionally, we urge the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other media advocacy groups to take a firm stand against this growing hostility towards journalists. The press must be allowed to perform its duty without fear of intimidation, violence, or persecution.


Journalists in Nigeria are increasingly becoming an endangered species, facing intimidation, harassment, and physical violence simply for doing their jobs. This pattern of state-backed aggression must not be allowed to continue unchecked. The press serves as the fourth estate of the realm, playing a crucial role in ensuring accountability, exposing corruption, and defending democracy.


Now that the world knows, we must emphasize: The right to a free press is non-negotiable. No amount of intimidation, threats, or violence will silence those committed to exposing the truth and holding power to account.


We stand in full solidarity with the journalists affected by this disgraceful attack and demand justice and accountability for this blatant abuse of power.


Press freedom is the lifeblood of democracy—its suppression is the first sign of tyranny. The time for action is now.


Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International human rights Advocate


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